- Since 1989
- Over 200,000 guests
- State-licensed team
- Tours in 25 languages
- No shopping stops
Welcome to Galataport Istanbul
Galataport is Istanbul's modern cruise terminal on the European shore of the Bosphorus. Few ports in the world let you step ashore this close to a city's history: the minarets of the old town rise across the Golden Horn, the Galata Tower stands on the hill behind you, and right beside your ship a waterfront promenade unfolds with cafés, shops and the Istanbul Modern art museum. What makes the port special is out of sight – the passenger terminal lies underground, so the shoreline above stays open to everyone.
Disembarking is straightforward. Once your ship is cleared, you walk into the terminal, pass the passport check inside the building and come up to street level. That is where your private guide from our state-licensed team waits for you – with a sign bearing your name, a plan built around your hours ashore and, if you wish, a vehicle with driver ready to go. No queue for a coach, no group numbers, no strangers in your party.
How much of Istanbul you see depends on time, not luck. With four hours we focus on the great icons of the historic peninsula; six hours add a palace or a second highlight; eight hours allow a broad, unhurried day, perhaps with the Bosphorus seen from the water. If your ship stays overnight, Istanbul by night makes a wonderful second chapter, and on turnaround days we plan around your embarkation or disembarkation time. Our golden rule never changes: you are back at the terminal well before all-aboard.
Your port day timeline
Docking & passport check
Your ship berths at Galataport. When disembarkation opens, you walk into the underground terminal, pass the passport check inside and head up to street level.
Meet your guide at the exit
Your private guide waits at the terminal exit with your name sign. A warm greeting, a quick look at the plan – and, if booked, your vehicle with driver is ready.
Your Istanbul hours
Four, six or eight hours of Istanbul at your own pace. If prepaid, we buy entry tickets at the guides' desks, so your time is spent inside the monuments, not in line.
Back well before all-aboard
We bring you back to the terminal with a comfortable margin. Rule of thumb: be at the port at least an hour before all-aboard – we plan this for you.
How much Istanbul fits into your port day?
Time for your tour: —
We allow 1 h to leave the ship and a 1 h buffer before all-aboard.
Why cruise guests choose Galataport Guide
Private, never pooled
Only your family or your own group – we never combine you with other passengers from your ship or anyone else.
Back before all-aboard
We plan every port day backwards from your ship's all-aboard time and build in a generous buffer for traffic and crowds.
No shopping stops
No carpet, jewellery or leather showrooms. Beware of cheap shore excursions subsidised by sales commissions – ours are paid by you, for you.
Licensed guides, fixed prices
State-licensed guides since 1989, more than 200,000 guests and tours in 25 languages. Half day from €220, full day from €240 for up to 3 people.
Istanbul shore excursions from Galataport
Private shore excursions from Galataport and more Istanbul experiences – fixed prices for your whole group of up to 3 people.
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Cruise4 h
Shore Excursion from Galataport – Half Day
Four hours, timed to your ship: from the Galataport exit straight to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern, then back to the terminal with a comfortable margin before all-aboard.
from €220Book now -
Cruise7 h
Shore Excursion from Galataport – Full Day
Seven hours ashore, planned backwards from all-aboard: your private guide meets you at the terminal exit and leads you to the old town's highlights – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Cistern.
from €240Book now -
Evening4 h
Istanbul by Night – Panoramic Drive
For ships staying overnight: four hours of illuminated mosques, the lit-up Bosphorus bridges and the city's finest viewpoints – with vehicle, driver and your own guide, starting from Galataport.
from €360Book now -
Accessible4–7 h
Accessible Shore Excursion – Wheelchair-Friendly
A port day without barriers: a wheelchair-accessible van with electric lift waits at Galataport or your hotel, and your guide follows a route without steps or barriers through the old town for four to seven hours.
from €470Book now -
Food4 h
Istanbul Street Food Tour
Four hours tasting Istanbul the way locals do: fish sandwiches by the water, fresh simit, baklava and Turkish coffee at neighbourhood stalls – and your guide tells the story behind every bite.
from €220Book now -
Exclusive2 h
Luxury VIP Yacht on the Bosphorus
Two hours on a private luxury yacht on the Bosphorus, drinks on board and, on request, a four-course menu – palaces and shores seen from the water, just as you first saw the city from your ship.
from €400Book now -
Time calculator1–12 h
How much Istanbul fits into your time?
Start with the clock: enter the hours between gangway and all-aboard, and the calculator instantly matches them to a private tour at a fixed price – anything from one to twelve hours.
from €220Book now -
Classic7 h
Discover Istanbul – Full-Day Tour
Seven hours that suit a long port call: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern with your own private guide, at your pace and in step with your ship's schedule.
from €240Book now -
Classic4 h
Discover Istanbul – Half Day
Four hours, morning or afternoon – whichever matches your berthing time: the old city's essentials with a private guide, leaving the rest of the day for the ship or a stroll of your own.
from €220Book now -
Custom programme7 h
YOU & ME – Your Tailor-Made Tour
Seven hours built around your list: tell us the places you want to see, and your guide plans a port day of famous sights, lesser-known spots, or both.
from €240Book now -
Flexible1–12 h
Guide by the Hour
One hour or twelve – you book your guide for exactly as long as your port call allows, whether for a museum, the bazaar or a single neighbourhood.
from €220Book now -
Stopoverdepending on layover
Layover – Turn Your Wait into a Tour
Not every cruise day starts at the pier: if you have a layover at IST or SAW airport on the way to or from your ship, we pick you up, guide you through the old city within your connection time and return you punctually.
from €310Book now -
Multi-day2 × 7 h
Istanbul in 2 Days – Combo Tour
Two seven-hour days with one and the same guide, ideal for a pre- or post-cruise stay: the old city, the Bosphorus and quiet corners, all at an unhurried pace.
from €440Book now -
Multi-day6 × 7 h
6 Days of Byzantium, Rome and the Ottomans
Six days of seven hours each for history lovers who extend their cruise in Istanbul: Byzantium, Rome and the Ottomans explored in depth, one era after another.
from €900Book now -
Day trip7 h
The Princes' Islands
Seven hours on the Sea of Marmara for a full-day port call: the Princes' Islands, where no cars are driven, with wooden villas, monasteries and pine forests – ferry tickets included.
from €300Book now -
Off the beaten path7 h
Secrets of the Locals
Seven hours for repeat cruise visitors: the Little Hagia Sophia, hidden cisterns, rooftop terraces and the spots Istanbul's residents like to keep for themselves.
from €240Book now -
Byzantium7 h
Hidden Layers – the Underworld
Seven hours beneath the surface of a familiar city: Chora, the Land Walls, cisterns, Fener and Balat – your guide reveals the Istanbul that lies under today's streets.
from €240Book now -
Architecture7 h
Sinan's Signature
Seven hours with Sinan, the great master builder: at his buildings your guide shows how dome, light and acoustics work together – a port day for architecture enthusiasts.
from €240Book now -
Asian side7 h
The Other Side – Asia
Seven hours on the Asian shore for late-sailing ships: Üsküdar, Kuzguncuk, Kadıköy and Moda, with waterfront mosques, markets and a sunset before you head back on board.
from €240Book now -
Golden Horn7 h
The Golden Horn by Water and Land
Seven hours along the inlet right next to Galataport: Eyüp, Pierre Loti, Fener and Balat – a day that alternates between the water and the hills.
from €240Book now -
Families5 h
Istanbul for Families
Five hours sized for young cruisers: the old city at a child's pace, with riddles at the Hippodrome, the Medusa in the Cistern and the treasures of the palace.
from €240Book now -
Themed tour6 h
Sultanas and Women of the Harem
Six hours ashore with the sultanas: Hürrem, Kösem and Turhan Hatice, the women who steered an empire from the harem, brought to life by your private guide.
from €240Book now -
Christian heritage7 h
Paul, Constantine and the Councils
Seven hours for travellers drawn to church history: the places where the Christian faith found its form, from Constantine's imperial church to the Patriarchate.
from €240Book now -
Themed tour7 h
Istanbul's Jewish Heritage
Seven hours that begin almost at the terminal: synagogues in Galata, then the Balat quarter and 500 years of Sephardic heritage, explained by your own guide.
from €320Book now -
Evening4 h
Blue Hour – Between Day and Night
Four hours timed for an evening departure: dusk falling over the city, the call to prayer and a rooftop terrace – with vehicle and driver.
from €480Book now -
Exclusive7 h
VIP Luxury – Private Full-Day Tour
Seven hours of premium shore time: guide, chauffeur, luxury vehicle, lunch and a yacht, on a route shaped entirely around your wishes and your all-aboard time.
from €2,950Book now -
From the air15–60 min
Helicopter Sightseeing Flight
Fifteen to sixty minutes in the air: the Bosphorus, its bridges and the old city from above on a private flight for up to six people – the quickest overview on a short port call.
from €1,000Book now -
Architecture7 h
Istanbul Metamorphosis
Seven hours in contemporary Istanbul for guests who saw the old city on an earlier port call: from Ottoman silos to futuristic caves, with vehicle, pick-up and return transfer included.
from €440Book now
Fixed price for your whole group of up to 3 people · each additional person +€10 · child 3–12 yrs +€8 · infant +€5 · entrance fees not included
Galataport FAQ – port facts for cruise guests
Can I walk from Galataport to the old town?
Some keen walkers do, but it is not practical for everyone – especially in summer heat, with children or with limited time ashore. We recommend a private vehicle with driver (full day €240), which saves precious time and energy. We advise against taxis in Istanbul.
What can I see in 4, 6 or 8 hours?
In 4 hours: the highlights of the historic peninsula, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. In 6 hours you can add Topkapı Palace or the Basilica Cistern; in 8 hours you enjoy a full, relaxed day, for example with a private Bosphorus boat trip. We tailor the order to your ship's schedule.
Will I really be back on board in time?
Yes – returning before all-aboard is our first priority. We schedule your tour backwards from that time, keep a buffer for traffic and bring you to the terminal with a comfortable margin.
Which currency do I need?
For our tours, euros are accepted. You pay a 30% deposit when booking by PayPal or bank transfer, and the balance in cash on the day. Entrance fees, meals and drinks are not included.
Is there a dress code for mosques?
Yes. Shoulders and knees should be covered, women bring a headscarf, and shoes are removed at the entrance. A light scarf in your day bag is all you need – your guide will help on the spot.
Are there wheelchair-accessible shore excursions?
Yes. Our accessible tours combine a private guide with a wheelchair-accessible van with a lift; half day from €470 for up to 3 people. Tell us about your needs when booking and we will plan a day that works for you.
Your tour in 25 languages
Choose your preferred language – we will match you with the right licensed guide.
- Deutsch
- English
- Türkçe
- Français
- Español
- Italiano
- Português
- Nederlands
- Polski
- Русский
- Українська
- Ελληνικά
- Български
- Română
- Magyar
- Čeština
- Svenska
- Dansk
- Norsk
- العربية
- فارسی
- עברית
- 日本語
- 한국어
- 中文
Booking, payment & cancellation – clearly defined
- Confirmed booking up to 48 h in advance – instant confirmation
- 30% deposit (PayPal or bank transfer), balance in cash on the day of the tour
- Cancellation: up to 30 days 30% · 29–15 days 50% · 14–7 days 75% · thereafter 100%
- Rebooking is subject to a fee
Day trips & tours by plane from Istanbul
Private with a state-licensed guide – domestic flight from Istanbul and transfers included, at a fixed price per person.
Aegean & Western Turkey – Ephesus, Pergamon, Pamukkale
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flight included1 day
Ephesus in One Day – with Flight
One day, two domestic flights: from Istanbul to Izmir and back the same day, with the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the House of the Virgin Mary and the Artemision in between.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Ephesus in Two Days – with Hotel
Ephesus without watching the clock: domestic flight from Istanbul, an unhurried visit to the ancient city, the wine village of Şirince and one night in a four-star hotel – ideal before or after your cruise.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included3 days
The Seven Churches of Revelation – 3 Days
Three days with domestic flights from Istanbul to all seven churches of Revelation 2–3: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea – with hotel nights and your own private guide.
from 2,370 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Didyma, Miletus & Priene
A day on the Ionian coast with a domestic flight from Istanbul: the Temple of Apollo at Didyma, the theatre of Miletus and the Temple of Athena at Priene – three great sanctuaries of antiquity.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Biblical Ephesus & Miletus
Following Paul and John for a day: domestic flight from Istanbul, biblical Ephesus and Miletus, where Paul gave his farewell speech to the elders of the church (Acts 20).
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Aphrodisias & Pamukkale – 2 Days
Two days, two wonders: domestic flight from Istanbul, the ancient city of Aphrodisias, the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and ancient Hierapolis – flight and hotel are part of the programme.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Gladiators of Ephesus – Family Tour
Ephesus at children's pace, reached by domestic flight from Istanbul: gladiator stories, the Great Theatre and the Terrace Houses, told so that young explorers stay curious all day long.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Laodicea & Hierapolis – Neither Cold nor Hot
By domestic flight from Istanbul to the church of Revelation 3 that was neither cold nor hot: Laodicea and Hierapolis, the ancient city rising above the limestone terraces.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
by car, no flight1 day
Nicaea (İznik) – Where the Creed Was Born
By car, no flight: from Istanbul to Nicaea (İznik), where the Council of 325 shaped the Creed – with the Hagia Sophia of Nicaea, the city walls and the town's famous tile tradition.
from 540 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Pergamon – the Altar That Stands in Berlin
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Pergamon: the acropolis, the steepest theatre of antiquity and the Asklepieion healing sanctuary – the city whose great altar stands in Berlin today.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Sardis & Philadelphia – the Gold of Croesus
The gold of Croesus in one day by domestic flight from Istanbul: the Temple of Artemis, the synagogue and gymnasium of Sardis, and Philadelphia, the church of Revelation 3.
from 750 € per personBook this trip
Cappadocia – fairy chimneys and rock churches
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flight included1 day
Cappadocia in One Day – North Route
Cappadocia's north route in one day by domestic flight from Istanbul: Devrent Valley, Paşabağ, the pottery town of Avanos, Zelve, the Esentepe panorama and the rock of Uçhisar.
from 775 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Cappadocia in One Day – Green Tour
Green Tour by domestic flight from Istanbul: the underground city of Derinkuyu, 85 metres deep, a 4 km walk through the Ihlara Valley, Belisırma, Selime Monastery and Göreme.
from 775 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Cappadocia in Two Days – with Hotel
Two days with domestic flights from Istanbul, one night in a four-star boutique hotel with cave-hotel flair and the north route of the fairy chimneys; a sunrise balloon flight can be added.
from 885 € per personBook this trip
Southeastern Turkey – Göbekli Tepe, Mardin, Nemrut
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flight included1 day
Şanlıurfa & Göbekli Tepe – 1 Day
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa and Göbekli Tepe, the world's oldest temple at around 11,600 years – plus the fish pools of Balıklıgöl, the bazaar and the museum.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Göbekli Tepe & Karahan Tepe – 2 Days
Two days at the dawn of civilisation: Göbekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe and Şanlıurfa, with a domestic flight from Istanbul, an overnight stay and all transfers organised by us.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
In the Footsteps of Abraham – Şanlıurfa & Harran
In Abraham's footsteps by domestic flight from Istanbul: the sites linked to the patriarch in Şanlıurfa and Harran with its beehive houses – one day with your own private guide.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included1 day
Gaziantep – Zeugma Mosaics & Baklava
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Gaziantep: the Zeugma Mosaic Museum with the famous Gypsy Girl, the old town, the coppersmiths' bazaar and baklava in the city it calls home.
from 750 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Mardin & Mor Gabriel – Tur Abdin in 2 Days
Two days in Tur Abdin with a domestic flight from Istanbul: Mardin above the Mesopotamian plain, Midyat and the Monastery of Mor Gabriel, a place of prayer since 397.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included2 days
Mount Nemrut – Sunrise on the Throne of the Gods
Sunrise on the throne of the gods: domestic flight from Istanbul, the colossal stone heads on the summit of Nemrut Dağı at first light, Arsameia and the Roman Severan Bridge.
from 1,280 € per personBook this trip -
flight included · hotel included8 days
Tur Abdin Round Trip – from Gaziantep to Diyarbakır
Eight private days by domestic flight from Istanbul, from Gaziantep to Diyarbakır: Göbekli Tepe, Mardin, Midyat, Mor Gabriel, Hasankeyf and Diyarbakır – with your own guide throughout.
from 1,290 € per personBook this trip